n. A raised structure (as a square or oblong erection of stone
or wood) on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned to a deity.n. In the Christian church, a construction of stone, wood, or
other material for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; the communion
table.

n. A vessel adapted for various domestic purposes, and anciently
for sacrificial uses; especially, a vessel of antique or elegant
pattern used for ornament; as, a porcelain vase; a gold vase; a Grecian
vase. See Illust. of Portland vase, under Portland.n. A vessel similar to that described in the first definition
above, or the representation of one in a solid block of stone, or the
like, used for an ornament, as on a terrace or in a garden. See Illust.
of Niche.

n. A fungus (Ustilago foetida) which affects the ear of cereals,
filling the grains with a fetid dust; -- also called pepperbrand.n. The middle part, cavity, or belly of a sail; the part of a
furled sail which is at the center of the yard.

n. Reconciliation; restoration of friendly relations;
agreement; concord.n. Satisfaction or reparation made by giving an equivalent
for an injury, or by doing of suffering that which will be received in
satisfaction for an offense or injury; expiation; amends; -- with for.
Specifically, in theology: The expiation of sin made by the obedience,
personal suffering, and death of Christ.

n. A burnt sacrifice; an offering, the whole of which was
consumed by fire, among the Jews and some pagan nations.n. Sacrifice or loss of many lives, as by the burning of a
theater or a ship. [An extended use not authorized by careful writers.]

n. A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights
or commands admiration; preeminent kindness or devotion to another;
affection; tenderness; as, the love of brothers and sisters.n. Especially, devoted attachment to, or tender or passionate
affection for, one of the opposite sex.

n. The act of assessing; the act of determining an amount
to be paid; as, an assessment of damages, or of taxes; an assessment of
the members of a club.n. A valuation of property or profits of business, for the
purpose of taxation; such valuation and an adjudging of the proper sum
to be levied on the property; as, an assessment of property or an
assessment on property.

n. A mutual agreement to refer matters in dispute to the
decision of arbitrators.n. A settlement by arbitration or by mutual consent
reached by concession on both sides; a reciprocal abatement of extreme
demands or rights, resulting in an agreement.

n. The valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem, where some of the
Israelites sacrificed their children to Moloch, which, on this account,
was afterward regarded as a place of abomination, and made a receptacle
for all the refuse of the city, perpetual fires being kept up in order
to prevent pestilential effluvia. In the New Testament the name is
transferred, by an easy metaphor, to Hell.